Do you clip a bridle path on your horse(s)? Explain why you do or don't. :D

I don't, purely for aethetic reasons. I prefer a more natural look and would hate to take away any part of my horse's already small-ish forelock. :wink: What I do instead is neatly part her mane and then bridle/halter her over that. Her mane isn't overly thick or long so this works fine for us.

Amir

05-06-2010 03:32 AM

I have an arab so his bridle path is about 6 inches long as per breed standards.
Even if he was a stock horse or a mut, he'd still have a bridle path, just not that long. I just think it makes a horse look neater to have a nicely trimmed bridle path and a nicely brushed mane. Doesn't have to be pulled or anything, just brushed. It can make a world of a difference in a presentation class as well.
It's also easier to position the bridle and halter if there's a place for it rather than fighting with a ton of extra mane so it sits comfortably.

rocky pony

05-06-2010 04:11 AM

I used to never use them but now I use them all the time.
I might not clip my next horse if he/she has really nice hair and looks great without it, but usually I prefer it because it is a lot easier to do up my halters and bridles.
I was very tempted to select "maybe so" on the poll, by the way, hahaha

IslandWave

05-06-2010 04:58 AM

^ Haha, I figured some "rebels" might like that choice. :lol: Or if maybe you have a mohawk bridle path or only half of your horses have them?

SilverSpur

05-06-2010 05:29 AM

i always cut/clip a bridle and saddle path for my horses. i do it for comfort and because it looks nice and neat.

My mare has a bridle path the length of her ear, per MFT breed standards. She needs it for showing, it looks neater, it makes putting the halter and bridle on easier (her mane is really thick and it would be a pain otherwise), and her mane looks longer without the shorter hairs in the front.

My gelding's mane is roached.

Sissimut-icehestar

05-06-2010 07:22 AM

oof, no, it would look horrible on my gelding. It's not something you do to Icelandics

Kayty

05-06-2010 07:22 AM

Yep I always cut a bridle path. Drives me crazy bridling horses who have mane going everywhere getting tangled in the bridle!! It looks so much neater, is more convenient and makes plaiting easier also.

iridehorses

05-06-2010 07:31 AM

I always clip a path. I like the look but, more importantly, it bother's me to have their mane rubbed under the bridle.